A short history of Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime is a subscription-based service offered by Amazon.com that provides a variety of benefits to its members, including free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to a vast library of streaming content, and exclusive deals and discounts. It was launched in 2005 and has since become one of the most successful subscription services in the world.

Here's a brief history of Amazon Prime and how it came into existence:

Early Days of Amazon
Amazon.com was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 as an online bookstore. Over the years, it expanded its product offerings to include a wide range of items, becoming one of the largest e-commerce platforms globally.

Free Super Saver Shipping
Amazon initially offered free shipping on orders over a certain amount as a way to attract and retain customers. However, this option was limited to orders that met specific criteria and often took several days to arrive.

Launch of Amazon Prime
On February 2, 2005, Amazon introduced Amazon Prime, a subscription service that offered a faster and more convenient shipping option. For an annual fee of $79, members could enjoy free two-day shipping on eligible items. The service was initially available to customers in the United States.

Expansion of Benefits
Over the years, Amazon Prime expanded its benefits beyond just shipping. In 2011, Amazon introduced the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, allowing Prime members to borrow e-books for free. It was the first step in transforming Prime into a multifaceted subscription service.

Streaming Video
In 2011, Amazon launched Amazon Instant Video, a streaming service that offered a selection of movies and TV shows. This service eventually became Amazon Prime Video, which became one of the major competitors in the streaming industry, producing original content and licensing a vast library of films and series.

Global Expansion
Amazon Prime continued to expand its reach both in terms of the number of countries it served and the benefits it offered. In 2016, Amazon Prime was made available in India, marking the beginning of its global expansion.

Additional Perks
Over the years, Amazon Prime introduced a range of additional perks, including Prime Music, Prime Pantry, and early access to Lightning Deals on Amazon.com, further increasing the value proposition for members.

Subscription Fee Increase
In 2018, Amazon raised the annual fee for Amazon Prime from $99 to $119, citing the increased cost of providing the service and the expansion of benefits.

Amazon Prime Day
Amazon introduced Prime Day in 2015, an annual shopping event exclusively for Prime members, featuring deep discounts and special promotions.

Recent Developments
Amazon Prime has continued to innovate and expand its offerings, with a focus on original content for Prime Video, improved delivery options, and integration with other Amazon services like Whole Foods.

Today, Amazon Prime has millions of members worldwide and remains a cornerstone of Amazon's business strategy. It has not only reshaped online shopping but also had a significant impact on the entertainment and e-commerce industries.